The local variety of spinach most popular amongst south westerners is the Celosia argentea otherwise known as Lagos or African spinach. Its botanical name “Celosa” is derived from the greek word “kelos” which means “burned” and refers to the plants flame like appearance. Shoko is an indigenous vegetable that is native to Africa and found in most countries on the continent.

It is known as "Velvet flower" in northern South America, tropical Africa, the West Indies, South, East and Southeast Asia. In Spain it is known as "Rooster comb" because of its appearance. The leaves are high in Beta carotene and Folic acid content.

These green leaves have a spinach–like taste in stew, are very nutritious and medicinal also a good source of iron victamin. If boiled, the plants are said to be slightly diuretic.

In Nigeria, It is widely consumed especially in the South West where it is known as ‘soko yokoto’, meaning "make husbands fat and happy" a joke amongst women in the market place because it is considered to be an aphrodisiac. It is sometimes used as dressings for boils and sores.

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PUMPKIN LEAVES  BITTER LEAF  SPINACH  WATER LEAF  WATER MELON  ALL VEGETABLES